Marvel Reveals ‘X-Men’ Anime Character Designs

Get your first look at the designs and teaser trailer from the upcoming Marvel Anime series, heading to G4 later this year!

Marvel and the Japanese TV network Animax (via Anime News Network) have revealed the character designs from Madhouse Studios’ upcoming "X-Men" series which will debut in Japan on April 1.

The storyline for the series was created by noted comic book scribe Warren Ellis and appears to be heavily influenced from the Grant Morrison New X-Men run as well as Joss Whedon’s two year stint on Astonishing X-Men. The series takes place one year after the death of Jean Grey and the dissolution of the team. But when Hisako Ichiki (Armor) goes missing in Japan, Professor Xavier sends out an emergency call to his former X-Men to save her and take on the U-Men, a cult of humans who steal mutant organs to empower themselves.

Although the picture above only shows Beast, Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm, Armor and Professor X, Emma Frost is confirmed to be in the series as well. Jean Grey may also appear in the series, as the newly released picture also includes the name of a voice actress attached to her role.

Animax has also released the teaser trailer for its "X-Men" series.

"X-Men" is the third collaboration between Marvel and Madhouse Studios, following "Iron Man" and "Wolverine." A fourth series following "Blade" will debut this summer on Animax. And all four Marvel anime series will come to the U.S. on G4 later this year, as announced at last year’s San Diego Comic Con.